Essay Example on Gun Control: A Divisive Political Issue in the US

Introduction

Although there is provision for people to have guns, the federal government regulates possession. There is a lot of antagonisms when it comes to the policies of gun control. The issue is one of the most divisive topic in the politics of the United States (Wilson 18). People on both sides differ sharply. Some effects come as a result of having many people who have firearms. The numbers of mass shootings continue to increase. Research has indicated that around 114,994 people are shot every year in the US (Wilson 3). The opponents to gun control measures argue that there will be a loss of security if people do not possess firearms. The Gun Control Act of 1968 contains a minimum age of 18 years before someone is allowed to purchase either shotguns or ammunition and rifles (Webster and Vernick 88). Other types of guns are sold to people above 21 years of age. There have been several acts over the years, which issue guidelines about the rights to possess firearms. Cases of the mass shooting have led to the regulations being amended from time to time and also adding other statutes. This paper explains an opinion and also presents recommendations on what the federal government should do on gun policy.

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My Opinion

There is more that the government can do regarding the regulation of guns. It is not right to sit and watch as violence increases and the mass shooting in every state. The rise in the number of deaths caused by mass shootings shows that the government is yet to do enough. I tend to ask myself a question, is the legal right to possess firearms doing us good or harm? Of course, many people would argue that it is a double-ended sword; there are advantages as well as disadvantages. In my opinion, I see the right for people to buy guns even for 18 years old is harming us more than it is benefiting us.

The government is entitled to ensure that there is security. It is not right for every citizen to purchase a gun so that they can protect themselves. The number of citizens who are buying weapons is alarming. The ownership itself is likely to bring some forms of discrimination sometimes. Generally, more men own guns than women. Does it mean that men are more vulnerable to be attacked than women? Of course, the answer is no. Looking in another dimension, more whites own guns than the blacks.

Most gun owners cite protection as the main reason why they purchased them. There are security officers who are responsible for covering some buildings and also police who are on patrol every time. What will be the need for police officers when everyone in the street has his own protection? If the police have firearms and the civilians also have the same, what differentiates them? These are some of the questions which I ask myself. There should be a difference between law enforcement officers and citizens. When guns are too many, it is hard to know when they get into the wrong hands. As long as citizens are getting the firearms with ease, it is the same way that the criminals will find them also.

In most cases, guns are used for the wrong reasons. Most of the shootings are a result of family violence or in games and movies. Life is precious, and ones it is lost it cannot be gotten back. Why should someone shoot the other simply because they have disagreed about the outcome of a game? The main reason for the shooting is because there is the availability of a gun. If there was no gun, then there would be no shooting. When one is agitated, and there is no firearm around, the only thing that he can do is maybe slapping or fighting without a weapon. In this case, there will be no death.

Recommendations

Reinstate the federal ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines

Some weapons and high-capacity magazines should be totally banned. Although the dealers are tasked with selling the guns, the federal government should ensure that only the legal firearms are being sold. Some dealers may end up selling some automatic weapons, which is not allowed. The government agents should search the dealers' warehouse from time to time to ensure there is no illegal stock (DeGrazia and Hunt 240).

Secure Storage of Firearms when they are not in use

Some parents have more than one firearm in their house. The father, most of the time, has one, and that is kept safe. The others may be used in the wrong manner by the children without the parents noticing faster. All weapons in the house should be stored safely. They should not be in reach of children at any single time. Securing the guns has been found to reduce injuries by children by up to 85%.

Ban Guns in K-12 Schools, Colleges and Universities

Having a regulation that the people who are 18 years and 21 years can start purchasing guns is not suitable for the country. Most of the time, these are young adults who cannot be able to control their emotions. They see the weapons as toys but not as something which can cause death. Arming people who are not matured well is what leads to people using guns, even in cases where there is just a small conflict. Only law-enforcement officers should have guns in school.

Hold the Gun Industry Accountable

The protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) should be repealed so that gun makers and gun dealers will no longer have broad immunity from civil lawsuits. It will allow the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to treat guns like other household products so that the federal government will have the power to set safety requirements for gun technology. The number of the dealers should also be regulated. When there are so many places where one can buy a gun, it leads to a violation of the requirements which are set before one is allowed to purchase the weapons (Carter 102). It should be made clear to them that when a case arises where a gun caused harm, they will be incorporated in the case to confirm whether the set procedures were followed when the accused was purchasing the weapon.

Nationwide Mental Health Registration so Guns do not get in Hands.

The dealer must verify that the person buying is in his/her right state of mind (DeGrazia and Hunt 236). It is not possible to know whether a person is ok mentally by just looking at him/her. The documents with the client may not be legit also. When there is a record by the government of those who are mentally fit, the dealer can confirm easily from his side. The records should be updated regularly.

Any Conviction for domestic Violence should lead to Prohibition of Gun Possession

Guns have been used to harm partners in marriage. Where one has been accused previously of domestic violence, he/she should not be allowed to own a gun. Most killings due to domestic violence do not come just abruptly. In most cases, there are some warnings signs. Where the warning signs have been identified or there are threats, no partner should be armed.

Summary

Many regulations are made to control the possession of firearms. The second amendment gives right those who are of age 18 and above to purchase shorthand gun. The creation of policies to manage the number of people who should own guns has been one issue that is dividing the lawmakers according to their opinion. People argue that they need guns to protect themselves. Those who oppose the rules of allowing people to own guns argue on the fact of the many citizens who are killed as a result of mass shooting.

In my opinion, the government should be at the center stage to ensure that there is no increase in mass killings as a result of people owning firearms. Since people argue that they are protecting themselves, the federal government should increase the security in each state. The number of patrols should increase, and the guards covering the building are the ones who should be armed. There is a need to have a difference between civilians and the police. The supply of guns has increased, and that is the reason why there is a lot of shooting. All these issues are because the firearm is readily available.

I have some recommendations which should be used by the federal government. One is Reinstating the federal ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Some weapons are not to be sold to the citizens and should remain in the hands of law enforcement officers. Firearms should be secured when they are not in use. People should be educated on safety storage of guns. Guns should be banned in K-12 Schools, Colleges and Universities. A 18 years old student is yet to know how to control his emotions. The gun industry should be held accountable. Everyone who is entitled to sell firearms should follow the law and also should be ethical. Also, there should be nationwide mental health registration and lastly anyone who has ever been convicted due to domestic violence should not be allowed to possess a gun.

Works Cited

DeGrazia, David, and Lester H. Hunt. "Gun Politics in the United States." Debating Gun Control, 2016, pp. 229-245.

Carter, Gregg L. Gun Control in the United States: A Reference Handbook. ABC-CLIO, 2006.Webster, Daniel W., and Jon S. Vernick. Reducing Gun Violence in America: Informing Policy with Evidence and Analysis. JHU P, 2013.

Wilson, Harry L. Gun Politics in America: Historical and Modern Documents in Context. ABC-CLIO, 2016.